Rookies deserve every chance

Credit: Matt Stone

Credit: Matt Stone

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a double during the third inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Matt Stone

Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts catches Chicago Cubs catcher Welington Castillo's fly out during the first inning of the game at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Unknown

Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes yells out as center fielder Mookie Betts misses Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney's triple during the fourth inning of the game at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Matt Stone

Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts hits a two run homer the fifth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Matt Stone

BETTS

Credit: Matt Stone

A fan catches a foul ball in front of Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts during the eighth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Matt Stone

Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli jumps out of the way of a pitch during the eighth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Credit: Matt Stone

Boston Red Sox left fielder Jonny Gomes eats sunflower seeds in front of the scoreboard during the ninth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

Instead of this being the summer when everyone could just let the kids be kids and get through, in relative obscurity, their initial growing pains and then some awkward bursts of adolescence that accompany becoming a big leaguer, the likes of Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and, eventually, Mookie Betts are being asked by some to do more than they are ready for — to be more than what they are.

Too often, the rookies have been asked to produce like veterans.

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